Thalassemia Patients and Friends

Discussion Forums => Thalassemia-related Issues => Topic started by: Andy Battaglia on February 08, 2011, 07:20:34 AM

Title: Would Genotype Matching of Blood be Cost Effective in the Long Term?
Post by: Andy Battaglia on February 08, 2011, 07:20:34 AM

I would like this question posed, specifically to Dr Vichinsky because he is the expert on this topic. Sharmin, if it is possible at some point, can you see that Dr Vichinsky gets a copy of this question? This topic is ignored virtually everywhere, but it affects most patients at some point.

Is genotype matching of blood, in addition to phenotype matching, feasible and in terms of long term care, cost effective? Would the added cost of genotype matching be offset by a reduction in post-transfusion antibody reactions and treatment that may include rituxan, IVIG, increased transfusion frequency, lowered immunity, possible eventual splenectomy and post-splenectomy care and complications and even early death? Can we make this argument to try to convince hospitals and insurance providers that genotype matching will be cost effective in the long term?

Title: Re: Would Genotype Matching of Blood be Cost Effective in the Long Term?
Post by: Sharmin on February 17, 2011, 04:50:38 PM

I truly and sincerely believe that it would.  Although every patient does not get antiibodies - for those who do it can cause a lot of problems.  Especially when you have to add steroids and ritux etc to an otherwise uncomplicated case. 

Also, keeping patients free of antibodies makes procedures like bmt easier - I believe. 

I will speak with Dr. Vichinsky about this.

Sharmin